Hajja Salesjana

The camerette or the little rooms of Don Bosco are the spiritual heart of Valdocco, and the historical base of Museo Casa Don Bosco . He lived here for 26 whole years. His second bedroom is rich in memories of the intrepid evangelizer’s ceaseless dedication to his mission on behalf of the young. This room was added to Casa Don Bosco (begun in 1853) as part of the 1861 renovation after the acquisition of the Filippi house. His first bedroom (1853-1861; featured in ĦajjaSalesiana, Issue 274) became a much needed waiting room for the endless flow of visitors who came to Valdocco seeking counsel and prayers from the Saint. Museo Casa Don Bosco meticulously recreates the historical layout of Don Bosco’s private space, based on precious period photographs. Everything displayed here belonged to Don Bosco, and is arranged as he had it. This small bedroom doubled as Don Bosco’s only office. The humble desk is an eloquent witness of Don Bosco’s tireless work as writer, editor, founder of two Congregations and father of the worldwide Salesian missions. Taking advantage of the rare silent hours at the Oratory, Don Bosco worked late into the night, by the light of the acetylene lamp on his night table. At this desk he wrote or edited some 300 publications, most notably, the Constitutions of the Salesians and of the Daughters of Mary 22 hajja Fr. Mike Pace, SDB, Vice-Director, Casa Don Bosco Museum, Turin Views from Valdocco WHERE SAINTS REST: DON BOSCO’S BEDROOM FOR TWENTY-SIX YEARS (1861-1887) Lulju-Settembru 2023